1.5 The origin of cells
Essential idea: | |
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There is an unbroken chain of life from the first cells on Earth to all cells in organisms alive today. | |
Understandings: | Nature of science: |
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Testing the general principles that underlie the natural world—the principle that cells only come from pre-existing cells needs to be verified. (1.9) |
Applications : | Guidance: |
Evidence from Pasteur’s experiments that spontaneous generation of cells and organisms does not now occur on Earth. |
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Skill: | Theory of Knowledge |
Biology is the study of life, yet life is an emergent property. Under what circumstances is a systems approach productive in biology and under what circumstances is a reductionist approach more appropriate? How do scientists decide between competing approaches? |